Sen. Johnson Introduces Bill to Permanently Authorize School Choice in D.C.

Legislation would fund D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, public charter schools, and public schools

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:39pm

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U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has reintroduced legislation to permanently authorize funding for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (DC OSP), D.C. Public Charter Schools, and D.C. Public Schools. The DC OSP provides scholarships for low-income families in the District to send their children to private schools.

Why it matters

School choice has been a key priority for Sen. Johnson, who has championed similar programs in his home state of Wisconsin. Permanently authorizing the DC OSP would allow more families in the District to access educational options that best fit their children's needs.

The details

Sen. Johnson's legislation would provide permanent funding for the DC OSP, which has helped thousands of low-income students in the District achieve higher graduation rates than their peers. The program is currently oversubscribed, with twice as many applicants as available scholarships, underscoring the demand for school choice among D.C. families.

  • Sen. Johnson reintroduced the legislation on January 28, 2026.

The players

Sen. Ron Johnson

A Republican U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who has long championed school choice initiatives.

D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (DC OSP)

A program that provides scholarships for low-income families in the District of Columbia to send their children to private schools.

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What they’re saying

“The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program has helped thousands of students from low-income households attain a graduation rate significantly higher than comparable students. The fact that twice as many children apply for the program than can be accommodated shows how important choice in education is for families. Permanently authorizing the program would continue to allow families access to a better future and the ability to choose the best type of education for their children.”

— Sen. Ron Johnson

What’s next

The legislation will now be considered by Congress, with a potential vote on the bill in the coming months.

The takeaway

Sen. Johnson's bill to permanently authorize school choice programs in D.C. reflects the ongoing debate over the role of public and private education, and the importance of providing families with options that best meet their children's needs.